As the people of God who live in hopeful expectation of Jesus’ return, Scripture tells us that we are already living in the last days. In this passage, Paul warns Timothy that as the end draws nearer, the world will be increasingly marked by distorted loves—self-centeredness, pride, and a rejection of God’s authority.

Paul’s instruction to “avoid such people” is not a call to withdraw from mission or disengage from those far from God. Rather, Paul understands that formation happens in community. The people we give influence to will either shape us to look more like Jesus or slowly form us in the image of the world.

Therefore, while the church remains sent into the world with the gospel, we are also called to carefully guard the community that forms us, ensuring that our deepest loves, practices, and relationships lead us toward Christ and not away from Him.